Thoughts on the Debate

Posted on September 7, 2011 | 5 Comments

The Republicans are still going at it as I type.  However, I think that tonight marks the beginning of the end for Santorum and Bachmann.  I further think that Gingrich will begin to rise and Romney and Perry even out.

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5 responses to “Thoughts on the Debate”

  1. Vern R. Kaine | September 7, 2011 at 11:22 pm | Reply

    I agree about Bachmann. I think Gingrich could really bring some fire to the debates, but that he has to drop the “angry old man” routine. He comes across as being afraid of the questions more than he comes across to me as in control, or statesmanlike, in my opinion.

  2. Scott Erb | September 8, 2011 at 9:53 am | Reply

    I didn’t watch it, but from what I read the most electable and the smartest is Huntsman.

  3. Vern R. Kaine | September 8, 2011 at 3:42 pm | Reply

    I’ve been impressed with Huntsman as well. The more moderate GOP candidates have a challenge, I think, having to win over the Tea Party in the primaries before worrying about winning the independents. Just my opinion, but wouldn’t this make it more difficult for guys like Huntsman to campaign at this point?

    Also, what are peoples’ thoughts on Huntsman as a solid VP?

  4. Scott Erb | September 8, 2011 at 4:44 pm | Reply

    I think Huntsman has to be the “unrepentant moderate” to have a chance. He’d have to hope that rank and file Republicans who don’t like the direction the tea party is taking them go out and vote for him in primaries. But Romney is already filling that role so it’ll be hard from Huntsman (though Romney is doing more to try to have it both ways).

    Huntsman would be a good VP candidate, but VP choices don’t do much to help (though some — like Eagleton in 1972 who McGovern dumped, and Palin in 2008, can hurt a candidate). Romney-Perry could be a strong ticket. Romney-Huntsman would be a strange ticket — they’re too much alike (but then again, so were Clinton and Gore). Perry at the top of the ticket would be weaker, but he definitely would need someone like Huntsman. If the fight between him and Romney for the nomination gets bitter, Huntsman might be Perry’s top choice. I don’t think Bachmann, Gingrich or the others really have much of a chance. Though I did like a Politico headline the other day: “Bachman Turnover Drives Questions.” (Gee, did she say “I was just taking care of business – you ain’t seen nothing yet!”)

    • pino | September 8, 2011 at 6:21 pm | Reply

      I think the VP choice will be some strong non-contender; think Rubio, Paul Ryan or Bobby Jindahl.

      I like Huntsman, but don’t like his chances.

      At this point, my personal choice would be Gingrich with Romney a second place.

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